Video game controller charging system having a docking structure

ABSTRACT

A video game controller charging system is provided. The video game controller charging system includes a base; at least one structure on the base for providing physical support to at least one video game controller while it is being charged; and at least one DC port on the base configured to couple to and provide DC power to a power input port of the at least one video game controller. The video game controller charging system may also include a current detector, a charging status indicator, at least one docking bay, and/or an AC-to-DC converter adapted to convert externally supplied power to the DC power provided to the power input port of at least one video game controller. The base of a charging station may include a recess having at least one electrical contact and a power input for connection to a power supply.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is a continuation of pending application Ser. No.13/468,994, filed May 10, 2012, which is a continuation of pendingapplication Ser. No. 13/417,147, filed Mar. 9, 2012, which is acontinuation of application Ser. No. 12/044,295, filed Mar. 7, 2008,issued Mar. 27, 2012 as U.S. Pat. No. 8,143,848, which is acontinuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 11/581,137, filed on Oct.13, 2006, the entire contents of which are expressly incorporated hereinby reference.

This application also claims priority to and the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 60/982,364, filed Oct. 24, 2007, the entirecontent of which is also incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to charging systems for consumerelectronics devices, and more particularly to charging systems forhand-held video game controllers.

BACKGROUND

Hand-held and portable electronic devices have become increasinglywidespread and are used daily by many consumers. Examples of suchdevices include cellular phones, pagers, CD and MP3 players, digitalorganizers, video game units, digital cameras, and many other electronicdevices. Most of these hand-held and portable devices rely on batterypower while operating and require periodic recharging at an alternatingcurrent (AC) outlet. Each device requires its own power adapter, one endof which fits into the AC outlet and the other end into the device.Thus, in order to recharge multiple devices, consumers have to carry,keep track of, and operate multiple power adapters.

Consumer electronics devices (“CED”), such as personal computers, videogame consoles, cell phones, and other devices, often utilize accessorydevices that operate in connection with the CED. Examples of accessorydevices include wireless headsets, audio speakers, and handheldcontrollers. These accessory devices often operate on battery power, sothat they can be used without requiring a connection to a power supply.Frequent use of these battery-powered accessory devices drains thebatteries and requires frequent replacement or recharging of thebatteries. Frequent replacement of batteries can be expensive, and as aresult, many accessory devices utilize rechargeable batteries.

Of the accessory devices, wireless handheld controllers (or video gamecontrollers) are often used by video game players together with thecorresponding video game console. Many video games allow multipleplayers to play concurrently, thereby requiring multiple handheldcontrollers.

The accessory device is connected to a charging station periodically torecharge the batteries. The charging station and the accessory devicehave matching plugs or ports that fit together to make a connection. Ifthe plug on the charging station or the accessory device is broken ordamaged, the accessory device can no longer be connected to the chargingstation. These plugs can be small and/or fragile, as the accessorydevice itself is often a small, compact device. These small plugs can beeasily bent or broken, rendering the charging station inoperable. Theuser has to be careful to connect the plugs slowly, gently, andcompletely, on order to make a proper connection without damaging theparts.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one exemplary embodiment, a video game controller charging system forcharging at least one video game controller using externally suppliedpower includes: a base; at least one structure on the base for providingphysical support to the at least one video game controller while the atleast one video game controller is being charged; and at least one DCport on the base configured to couple to and provide DC power to a powerinput port of the at least one video game controller.

In one embodiment, the at least one DC port includes at least one malemini-USB connector.

In one embodiment, the video game controller charging system furtherincludes a current detector electrically coupled to the at least one DCport and an indicator electrically coupled to the current detector. Theindicator is configured to indicate a charging status of the video gamecontroller charging system and may include at least one LED.

In one embodiment, the at least one structure on the base includes atleast one docking bay configured to receive one of the video gamecontrollers.

In one embodiment, the at least one structure on the base includesopposite surfaces configured to align one of the at least one video gamecontroller such that the power input port of the video game controllercouples to one of the at least one DC port. Also, the opposite surfacesmay include spring-loaded locating buttons configured to align the videogame controller.

In one embodiment, the at least one DC port comprises a plurality of DCports, the at least one video game controller comprises a plurality ofvideo game controllers, and the plurality of DC ports is configured toconcurrently couple to and provide the DC power to the plurality ofvideo game controllers.

In one embodiment, the video game controller charging system furtherincludes an AC-to-DC converter adapted to convert the externallysupplied power to the DC power provided to the power input port of theat least one video game controller. In one embodiment, the AC-to-DCconverter is in the base. In another embodiment, the AC-to-DC converteris external to the base.

In one embodiment, the AC-to-DC converter is adapted to convert an ACvoltage in the range of 100 V to 240 V corresponding to the externallysupplied power into a DC voltage corresponding to the DC power. The DCvoltage may be DC 5 V.

In another exemplary embodiment, a charging system for at least oneaccessory device having a power input port includes: a base; at leastone male mini-USB connector supported by the base and adapted to provideDC power to the at least one accessory device; at least one dockingstructure configured to receive and align the at least one accessorydevice to couple to the at least one male mini-USB connector; and apower input for connecting to a power supply, the power inputelectrically coupled to the at least one male mini-USB connector.

In one embodiment, the charging system further includes an AC-to-DCconverter electrically coupled between the power input and the at leastone male mini-USB connector.

In one embodiment, the charging system further includes an AC-to-DCconverter external to the base and electrically coupled to the powerinput.

In one embodiment, the charging system further includes a currentdetector electrically coupled to the at least one male mini-USBconnector and an indicator electrically coupled to the current detector,the indicator configured to indicate a charging status of the chargingsystem. The indicator may include at least one LED.

In still another exemplary embodiment, a video game controller chargingsystem for at least one video game controller having a power input portincludes: a base; at least one male mini-USB connector supported by thebase and adapted to provide DC power to the power input port of the atleast one video game controller; and at least one docking structurehaving opposite surfaces configured to receive and align the at leastone video game controller to couple the power input port of the at leastone video game controller to the at least one male mini-USB connector.

In one embodiment, the video game controller charging system furtherincludes an AC-to-DC converter adapted to convert an AC power receivedfrom an AC power supply to the DC power provided to the power input portof the at least one video game controller.

In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, a charging system forcharging at least one accessory device having a power input portincludes a base with at least one recess having at least one electricalcontact. The base further includes a power input for connection to apower supply, the power input being electrically coupled to the at leastone electrical contact. The charging system also includes at least oneexternal adapter including a connector configured to couple to the powerinput port of one of the accessory devices, the at least one externaladapter also including at least one electrical lead. The at least onerecess is dimensioned to receive the at least one external adapter, theat least one electrical lead contacting the at least one electricalcontact when the external adapter is received by the recess.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides a power adaptercapable of supplying power from an AC outlet to a variety of hand-helddevices. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a poweradapter for recharging electronic devices is provided. The power adaptermay have a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port to which a device with a USBplug can be connected for recharging. The adapter may also have aFireWire port to which a device with a FireWire plug can be connectedfor recharging. FireWire is a proprietary name of Apple Computer for theIEEE 1394 interface. Both ports may be operated concurrently to rechargea USB device and a FireWire device at the same time. The adapter alsohas an alternating current (AC) plug which is fixed or movable such thatthe plug extends from the rear side of the adapter. The AC plug can befixed to the adapter body, or be slid or moved somehow into the adapterwhen the adapter is not in use for easy storage. When the adapter is inuse, the AC plug is plugged into an AC outlet. The adapter draws powerfrom the outlet and supplies that power to the USB and FireWire devicesto enable them to recharge.

According to the present invention, in one embodiment a power adapter isprovided that includes a housing body having a first side and aplurality of second sides. A plug is located on the first side and isadapted to connect to an AC outlet for providing an AC power. A first DCport is located on one of the second sides and is adapted to provide afirst DC power to a first external device. A second DC port is locatedon one of the second sides and is adapted to provide a second DC powerto a second external device. An AC-to-DC converter is located in thehousing body and is adapted to convert an AC power received through theplug to the first DC power and the second DC power.

In one embodiment, the first DC port and the second DC port are USBports. In another embodiment, the first DC port and the second DC portare FireWire ports. In yet another embodiment, the first DC port is aUSB port and the second DC port is a FireWire port.

In one embodiment, the first DC power and the second DC power havedifferent voltages. In another embodiment, the first DC power suppliesDC 5 V and the second DC power supplies DC 13 V.

In one embodiment, the power adapter also includes a plurality of DCports, each DC port being located on one of the second sides and beingadapted to provide a DC power to an external device, wherein each DCport is selected from the group consisting of USB port, FireWire port,PS/2 port, serial port, and parallel port.

In one embodiment, the AC-to-DC converter is adapted to convert an ACvoltage of 120 V or 240 V corresponding to the AC power to DC voltagescorresponding to the first DC power and the second DC power.

In one embodiment, the AC-to-DC converter is adapted to convert an ACvoltage in the range of 100 V to 240 V corresponding to the AC power toDC voltages corresponding to the first DC power and the second DC power.

In another exemplary embodiment, a power adapter is provided thatincludes a housing body having a first side and a plurality of secondsides. A plug is located on the first side and is adapted to connect toan AC outlet for providing an AC power. The power adapter includes aplurality of USB ports, whereas each USB port is located on one of thesecond sides and is adapted to provide a DC power to an external device.An AC-to-DC converter is located in the housing body and is adapted toconvert an AC power received through the plug to the DC power.

In one embodiment, the power adapter also includes at least one DC port,each DC port being located on one of the second sides and adapted toprovide a second DC power to an external device, wherein each DC port isselected from the group consisting of FireWire port, PS/2 port, serialport, and parallel port.

In one embodiment, the AC-to-DC converter is adapted to convert an ACvoltage of 120 V or 240 V corresponding to the AC power to a DC voltagecorresponding to the DC power.

In one embodiment, the AC-to-DC converter is adapted to convert an ACvoltage in the range of 100 V to 240 V corresponding to the AC power toa DC voltage corresponding to the DC power.

In another exemplary embodiment, a power adapter is provided thatincludes a housing body having a first side and a plurality of secondsides. A plug is located on the first side and is adapted to connect toan AC outlet for providing an AC power. The power adapter includes aplurality of FireWire ports, whereas each FireWire port is located onone of the second sides and is adapted to provide a DC power to anexternal device. An AC-to-DC converter is located in the housing bodyand is adapted to convert an AC power received through the plug to theDC power.

In one embodiment, the plug is fixed to the housing body. In anotherembodiment, the plug is movable between a first position for plugginginto the AC outlet and a second position inside the housing body.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a poweradapter having a plurality of USB ports of various sizes to accommodatedevices with different types of USB plugs (e.g., USB plugs of type A ortype B) is provided. The adapter also has a plurality of FireWire portsof various sizes to accommodate devices with different types of FireWireplugs (e.g., 4-pin or 6-pin FireWire plugs).

In yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a poweradapter having a plurality of ports of various types to accommodate manydifferent electronic devices, is provided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic front view diagram of a power adapter in anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic front view diagram of a power adapter in anotherexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic front view diagram of a power adapter in yetanother exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic front view diagram of a power adapter in anotherexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic side view diagram of the power adapter of FIG. 1in a non-operating position.

FIG. 6 is a schematic side view diagram of the power adapter of FIG. 1in an operating position.

FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram of a side view of the adapter and theelectronic device in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the AC-to-DC converter in the adapter.

FIG. 9 is a schematic front view diagram of a power adapter in anotherexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a schematic front view diagram of a power adapter in yetanother exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a video game controller charging systemaccording to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a top view of the video game controller charging system ofFIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a side view of the video game controller charging system ofFIG. 11.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the video game controller chargingsystem of FIG. 11 having video game controllers connected for charging.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram of the video game controller charging systemof FIG. 11.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a charging station according to anexemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a charging station and two adaptersaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a charging station with two adaptersaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 19A is a top plan view of an adapter according to an exemplaryembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 19B is a bottom plan view of an adapter according to an exemplaryembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 19C is a side plan view of an adapter according to an exemplaryembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a charging station with a video gamecontroller according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a charging station with two video gamecontrollers according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 22 is a block diagram of a charging station and an accessory deviceaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 23A-B are a circuit diagram of a charging station according to anexemplary embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In one embodiment, a video game controller charging system is provided.The video game controller charging system includes a base, at least onestructure on the base for providing physical support to at least onevideo game controller while it is being charged, and at least one DCport on the base configured to couple to and provide DC power to a powerinput port of the at least one video game controller. In someembodiments, the video game controller charging system may include acurrent detector, a charging status indicator, at least one docking bay,and/or an AC-to-DC converter adapted to convert externally suppliedpower to the DC power provided to the power input port of at least onevideo game controller. In other embodiments, the base of a chargingsystem (or “charging station”) may include a recess having at least oneelectrical contact and a power input for connection to a power supply,the power input being electrically coupled to the at least oneelectrical contact. The charging station also includes an externaladapter with a connector configured to couple to a power input port ofthe accessory device, and with at least one electrical lead. The recessis dimensioned to receive the adapter, with the at least one electricallead contacting the at least one electrical contact when the adapter isreceived by the recess.

In another embodiment, a power adapter includes a housing body having aplurality of sides. In addition, the power adapter includes a pluglocated on one side of the housing body and adapted to connect to analternating current (AC) outlet. Furthermore, the power adapter includesfirst and second direct current (DC) ports, each located on a side ofthe housing body and each adapted to provide a DC power to an externaldevice. Finally, the power adapter includes an AC-to-DC converter forconverting the AC power received through the plug to the DC powerssupplied to external devices.

A power adapter may include one or more USB ports to which devices withUSB plugs can be connected for recharging. The adapter may also includeone or more FireWire ports to which devices with FireWire plugs can beconnected for recharging. Both ports may be operated concurrently. Theadapter also has an AC plug that is fixed or is movable between a firstposition (e.g., operating position) and a second position (e.g.,non-operating position). By way of example, the AC plug may extend fromthe rear side of the adapter. The AC plug can be fixed to the adapterhousing body, or it can be retracted, folded, slid, or somehow movedinto the adapter housing body for easy storage when the adapter is notin use. When the adapter is in use, the AC plug is plugged into an ACoutlet. In one embodiment, the adapter draws AC power from the outlet,converts it to DC powers having +5 V and +13 V, respectively, andsupplies the DC powers to the USB and FireWire devices, respectively, toenable them to recharge.

In each of the disclosed embodiments, the USB, FireWire, serial,parallel, and generally DC ports, may be either male or female. That is,the DC charging ports may be female and accept a plug, or may itself bea port plug for plugging into a port in an external device.

FIG. 1 is a schematic front view diagram of a power adapter 100 in anexemplary embodiment of the present invention. The power adapter 100 hasa USB port 101 to which a device with a USB plug can be connected forrecharging. The power adapter 100 also has a FireWire port 102 to whicha device with a FireWire plug can be connected for recharging. The poweradapter 100 includes an AC-to-DC power converter for providing +5 V and+13 V, respectively. The power adapter 100 may take an input of 100 V to240 V (w/frequencies of 50 Hz or 60 Hz) AC power and/or any otherstandard AC outlet voltage to enable the power adapter 100 to be used ina number of different countries throughout the world.

In the United States, AC voltage is standardized at 120 V, but inpractice voltages range from 105 V to 130 V. In other parts of theworld, voltages range from 100 V to 240 V. The frequencies vary acrossthe world as well. In the U.S., 60 Hz is the standard. However, in otherparts of the world, AC voltage is supplied at 50 Hz or 60 Hz. TheAC-to-DC power converters in the power adapter may be adapted to convertAC voltages from a particular standard to a DC voltage required of theDC ports in the power adapter.

The USB port 101 is capable of delivering DC power having +5 V to aconnected USB device. The FireWire port 101 is capable of delivering DCpower having +13 V to a connected FireWire device. Ports 101, 102 may beoperated concurrently to recharge a USB device and a FireWire device atthe same time. While FIG. 1 illustrates that ports 101, 102 are locatedat the front surface of the power adapter 100, the ports may be locatedat any suitable location on the front, rear, side, top, or bottomsurfaces or sides of the adapter 100.

FIG. 2 is a schematic front view diagram of a power adapter 110 inanother exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The power adapter110 has two FireWire ports 102 to which a device with a FireWire plugcan be connected for recharging. The FireWire ports 102 may be of adifferent type and may accept 4-pin or 6-pin FireWire connections. EachFireWire port 102 is capable of delivering DC power having +13 V to aconnected FireWire device. Ports 102 may be operated concurrently torecharge FireWire devices at the same time.

FIG. 3 is a schematic front view diagram of a power adapter 120 in yetanother exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The power adapter120 has two USB ports 101 to which a device with a USB plug can beconnected for recharging. The USB ports 101 may be of a different typeand may accept type A or type B connections. Each USB port 101 iscapable of delivering DC power having +5 V to a connected USB device.Ports 101 may be operated concurrently to recharge USB devices at thesame time.

FIG. 4 is a schematic front view diagram of a power adapter 130 inanother exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Power adapter 130has a USB port 161 and a FireWire port 162 that are connected to lines163. The lines extend the ports so that USB and FireWire plugs may beinserted into the extended ports without having to reach the poweradapter 130 plugged into an AC outlet. Although a USB and FireWire portare shown in FIG. 4, this embodiment includes all possible combinationsof ports, the combination being formed from USB, FireWire, serial,parallel ports, and other DC charging ports, in various combinations.

FIG. 5 is a schematic side view diagram of the power adapter 100 of FIG.1 in its non-operating position. The power adapters 110 and 120 of FIGS.2 and 3 have substantially the same structure in one embodiment. Asshown in FIG. 5, the power adapter 100 may have an AC plug 103 that ismovable such that it extends from the rear side of the adapter 100. Inthe non-operating position, when the adapter 100 is not in use, the ACplug 103 is slid, moved, or otherwise positioned into the adapter 100 sothat the plug 103 does not extend out from the adapter 100. Thisnon-operating position allows for easy storage of the adapter 100. Inother embodiments, the plug may be fixed to the adapter housing body andis not movable.

FIG. 6 is a schematic side view diagram of the power adapter 100 of FIG.1 in its operating position. As shown in FIG. 6, when the power adapter100 is in use, the AC plug 103 is slid, moved, or otherwise positionedoutside of the housing of the adapter 100, so that the plug 103 extendsout from the adapter 100 in its operating position. In this position theAC plug 103 may be plugged into an AC outlet so that the adapter 100 candraw AC power from the outlet, convert it to DC powers having +5V and+13V, respectively, and supply the DC powers to hand-held and portableelectronic devices.

While the AC plug 103 of the power adapter 100 illustrated in FIGS. 5and 6 appears as a pair of parallel flat bars that are commonly used inthe United States and some other countries, for international use, theAC plug may have a shape of a pair of cylindrical bars used in manyAsian and European countries, and/or any other suitable shape.Furthermore, a single power adapter may include a number of differenttypes of AC plugs for use in many different countries having differentAC plug types/AC power voltages.

FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram of a side view of an adapter 100 and anelectronic device 105 in an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention. The adapter 100 is plugged into an AC outlet 106. A device105 is connected to the adapter 100 by a cable 104. The cable 104 plugsinto the adapter 100 through a plug 101 or 102, shown in FIG. 1. Theadapter 100 draws power from the AC outlet 106 and delivers the power tothe device 105 through the cable 104.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the AC-to-DC converter in the adapter 100.The AC-to-DC converter 112 is located in the housing body of the adapter100. The AC-to-DC converter 112 receives an AC power from the AC plug103 via an AC outlet 106 and provides DC power to a plurality of DCports 111. The AC-to-DC converter 112 may be composed of multipleAC-to-DC converters in order to provide different DC power voltages tothe DC ports 111. For example, in FIG. 1, the AC-to-DC converter wouldreceive AC power from the AC plug 103 and provide DC 5 V to one DC port(e.g., USB port 101) and DC 13 V to another DC port (e.g., FireWire port102).

FIG. 9 is a schematic front view diagram of a power adapter 200 inanother exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The adapter 200has a plurality of USB ports 201 to which a plurality of devices withUSB plugs can be connected for recharging. The USB ports 201 may be ofvarious sizes to accommodate devices having different types of USB plugs(e.g., USB plugs of type A or type B). The adapter 200 also has aplurality of FireWire ports 202 to which a plurality of devices withFireWire plugs can be connected for recharging. The FireWire ports 202may likewise be of various sizes to accommodate devices having differenttypes of FireWire plugs (e.g., 6-pin or 4-pin FireWire plugs). The ports201 and 202 may be located at any suitable location on the front, rear,side, top, or bottom surfaces or sides of the adapter 200.

FIG. 10 is a schematic front view diagram of a power adapter 300 in yetanother exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The adapter 300has a plurality of ports 301 a, 301 b, 301 c, 301 d, 301 e, 301 f, 301 ghaving different cross-sectional shapes to which a plurality of devicescan be connected for recharging. The ports 301 may be any of a widevariety of ports used by popular electronic devices, such as USB,FireWire, PS/2, serial ports, parallel ports, and others. The ports 301a-301 g may be located at any suitable location, on the front, rear,side, top, or bottom surfaces or sides of the adapter 300. The ports ofthe power adapter 300 may have cross-sections that are different fromthe cross-sections of the ports 301 a-301 g that are shown forillustrative purposes only.

Similar to the power adapter 100 of FIG. 1, the power adapters 200 and300 of FIGS. 9 and 10 each have one or more AC plugs for plugging tocorresponding AC outlets to receive AC power therefrom. The AC plugs mayhave different shapes to be compatible with AC outlets used in variousdifferent countries of the world.

Further, similar to the power adapter 100, the power adapters 200 and300 of FIGS. 9 and 10 may have capabilities to convert a range ofdifferent AC voltages that are used throughout the world. By way ofexample, the power adapters 200 and 300 may be able to convert from ACpower having a voltage range of 100V to 240V (and at frequencies 50 Hzor 60 Hz) to DC power having +5 V and +13 V and/or any other desirablevoltages.

FIGS. 11, 12, and 13 are perspective, top, and side views, respectively,of a video game controller charging system 400 according to anotherexemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a perspectiveview of the video game controller charging system 400 having video gamecontrollers 420 connected for charging. In one embodiment, the chargingsystem 400 converts AC power from an AC power supply to DC power andsupplying the DC power having a desired DC voltage to a connected CEDaccessory device, such as one of the video game controllers 420. In suchan embodiment, the video game controller charging system 400 includes anAC-to-DC converter for converting AC power to DC power. In otherembodiments, the video game controller charging system 400 may receiveDC power from an external power source. In such cases, the external DCpower may be provided by an external AC-to-DC converter that receivespower from an AC outlet, and converts the received AC power to DC power.

The video game controller charging system 400 includes a base 402 andone or more docking bays 404, wherein each docking bay 404 is configuredto receive a video game controller 420. The charging system 400 alsoincludes one or more partitions 406 separating the docking bays 404. Thecharging system 400 further includes a DC port 408 within each of thedocking bays 404 that is configured to electrically couple to one of thevideo game controllers 420 and deliver DC power to the coupled videogame controller 420.

The DC ports 408 of the video game controller charging system 400 areconfigured to connect to a power input port of the video game controller420 to be charged. In the present embodiment, the DC ports 408 are malemini-USB (universal serial bus) connectors adapted to connect to afemale mini-USB connector on a video game controller for a video gameconsole, such as the PlayStation3®. Alternatively, the DC ports 408 maybe any electrical connectors suitable for coupling to a video gamecontroller for another video game console, or for any other consumerelectronics device to be charged, such as an MP3 player or accessorydevice.

In the present embodiment of the video game controller charging system400, the partitions 406 include locators 410 for aligning the video gamecontroller to the DC port 408. There are locators 410 on each of the twosurfaces of the partitions 406, as well as the two surfaces of the base402, which face the DC ports 408. There may be two locators 410 on eachsurface described, i.e., four locators 410 adjacent each video gamecontroller 420. Each pair of opposite surfaces, a portion of the base402, a corresponding docking bay 404, and/or the locators 410 maycomprise a structure for providing physical support to one of the videogame controllers 420 during charging. While the locators 410 in theillustrated embodiment of FIG. 11 are button-shaped, the shape of thelocators 410 is not limited thereto. Also, the locators 410 may bespring-loaded in order to facilitate aligning and maintaining a requiredposition of the video game controller 420 for coupling to thecorresponding DC port 408. In other embodiments, the locators 410 maynot be spring-loaded and the video game controller 420 may be aligned bythe locators 410 through any other suitable method or mechanism, such asa pressure fit.

In use, the DC ports 408 are connected to power input ports of the videogame controllers 420 to be charged, as shown in FIG. 14. When one ormore video game controllers 420 need to be recharged, connecting thevideo game controllers 420 to the charging system 400 is as easy asinserting each of the video game controllers 420 into one of the dockingbays 404. As described above, the locators 410 aid in aligning the videogame controller 420 into the docking bay 404 such that the power inputport of the video game controller 420 slides down onto and connects tothe DC port 408. The charging system 400 is connected to a power supplythrough its own power input (either AC power which is converted to DCpower using an internal AC-to-DC converter or externally provided DCpower). The charging system 400 then provides power to the video gamecontroller 420 to recharge the batteries of the video game controller420.

While the embodiment described above uses a vertical orientation, witheach of the video game controllers 420 being dropped from above into thedocking bays 404, other orientations may be used as well. In onealternative embodiment, for example, the video game controllers 420 maybe received horizontally into the docking bays 404, and electricallycoupled to DC ports 408 having a horizontal orientation instead of thevertical orientation shown in FIGS. 11-14.

The present embodiment of the video game controller charging system 400can charge up to four video game controllers 420 concurrently, or it cancharge one at a time. Alternative embodiments of the charging system400, however, may be configured to charge more than four video gamecontrollers 420 concurrently. The power supply for the charging system400 may be a power cord 416 that has a plug for connecting to an ACpower supply or a DC power supply. In one embodiment, the chargingsystem 400 also includes an AC-to-DC converter 440 (see FIG. 15)electrically coupled between the power cord 416 and the DC ports 408 forconverting AC power to DC power having +5 V or any DC voltage suitablefor delivery to the video game controller 420. The AC-to-DC converter440 may be in the base 402 or external to the base 402. The power cord416 may be removably connected to the base 402, or may be fixedlycoupled to the base 402. In an alternative embodiment, the power inputmay be a USB port that connects to a CED (e.g., a video game console) toobtain DC power from the CED. The charging system 400 provides this DCpower to the DC ports 408 for delivery to the video game controllers420. In other embodiments, DC power may be provided as input to thecharging system 400, where the DC power may be provided by an externalAC-to-DC converter. In such embodiments, the power input may be DC powerconverted from AC power from a wall outlet and converted to DC powerusing the external AC-to-DC converter.

The video game controller charging system 400 may also include anindicator panel 450 that indicates a status of the charging system 400.In the present embodiment, the indicator panel 450 includes four LEDassemblies 452. Each of the four LED assemblies 452 corresponds with oneof the four DC ports 408, so as to indicate the charging status of thevideo game controller 420 being charged at the respective DC port 408.Each of the LED assemblies 452 includes at least two LEDs havingdifferent colors. For example, each of the LED assemblies 452 in thepresent embodiment includes a red LED and a green LED. While therespective video game controller 420 is being charged, the red LED isemitted to indicate that the video game controller 420, or morespecifically, the battery inside the video game controller 420, iscurrently being charged. When the respective video game controller 420is finished charging, the green LED is emitted to indicate that thecharging has been completed. In another embodiment, the green LED may beemitted to indicate that the video game controller is being charged,while the red LED is emitted to indicate that the charging has beencompleted. In alternative embodiments, each of the LED assemblies 452may include different colors of LEDs and/or different numbers of LEDs(e.g., three LEDs) to indicate respective charging status.

In another alternative embodiment, each of the LED assemblies 452 mayinclude a single LED and may illuminate with a first color (e.g., red)to indicate that the charging system 400 is currently charging a videogame controller 420. Another LED assembly 452 may illuminate with asecond color (e.g., green) to indicate that the charging system 400 hascompleted charging. The LED assemblies may be electrically coupled to acurrent detector 460 (see FIG. 15) which provides the signals toilluminate the LEDs. In one embodiment, the charging system 400 may stopproviding power to the video game controller 420 when the video gamecontroller's internal battery is completely charged.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing some of the above-describedcomponents of the video game controller charging system 400 in schematicform. As can be seen in FIG. 15, the charging system 400 includes DCports 408, each of which is configured to be electrically coupled with avideo game controller 420. Through the DC ports 408, the charging system400 is capable of supplying the power received from a power adapter or apower supply to the video game controllers 420 for charging.

In one embodiment, the base 402 includes an AC-to-DC converter 440 forconverting input AC power to DC power for charging the video gamecontroller 420. In other embodiments, the charging system 400 may beprovided with an external AC/DC converter, DC power via a mini-USB port,or any other suitable DC power supply. The charging system 400 mayinclude a USB host used to provide DC power via a mini-USB port.

In one embodiment, the video game controller charging system 400includes one or more current detectors 460 for detecting the amount ofcurrent being provided by the power supply to the video game controllers420 through the DC ports 408. If sufficient current, i.e. apredetermined amount of current, is detected by one of the currentdetectors 460, the corresponding LED (e.g., a red LED) is emitted toindicate that the video game controller 420 in the corresponding dockingbay 404 is being charged. Then, when the charging has been completed,less current is detected because the battery in the accessory device isalready substantially fully charged. In this case, another LED (e.g., agreen LED) is emitted to indicate that charging has been completed.

Another exemplary embodiment of the invention, shown in FIGS. 16-23,relates to a charging station for a consumer electronics device (CED),and more particularly, to a charging station for one or more hand-heldcontrollers for a video game console. A charging station 510 accordingto an exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 16. Thecharging station 510 includes two docking bays 512, 514 for twoaccessory devices, which in one embodiment are hand-held controllers fora video game console. The docking bays 512, 514 are dimensioned toaccept adapters 516 (see FIG. 17). Electrical contacts 520 in thedocking bays 512, 514 make contact with electrical leads 522 on theadapters 516 (see FIG. 19B) to provide an electrical connection throughwhich power can be transmitted. The adapters 516 are electricallycoupled to the power input port on the hand-held controllers. In oneembodiment, the adapters 516 drop-fit easily into the docking bays 512,514, thus providing a fast and easy connection of the hand-heldcontrollers to the charging station 510.

As shown in FIG. 16, the charging station 510 includes a base 524 withtwo docking bays 512, 514. The docking bays 512, 514 are eachdimensioned to accept a hand-held controller 526 (see FIGS. 20, 21). Thetwo docking bays 512, 514 are separated by a partition 528 positionedbetween them. Each of the docking bays 512, 514 includes a recess 530 atthe bottom of the docking bay. The recess 530 has four electricalcontacts 520 positioned in the recess 530. In other embodiments, therecess may include more than four or less than four electrical contacts.These contacts 520 are shown positioned in a linear arrangement in therecess 530, but they could be positioned in any suitable arrangement.

The recesses 530 are dimensioned to receive an adapter 516 into therecess 530. As shown in FIG. 17, the adapters 516 can be droppedvertically into the docking bays 512, 514 and into the recesses 530.When the adapters 516 are placed into the recesses 530, electrical leads522 (see FIG. 19B) on the bottom side 538 of the adapters 516 contactthe electrical contacts 520 in the recesses 530. The electrical leads522 on the adapter 516 thus make an electrical connection with theelectrical contacts 520 in the recess 530. The electrical leads 522 onthe adapter 516 match the arrangement of the electrical contacts 520such that each electrical lead 522 makes physical contact with anelectrical contact 520 when the adapter 516 is placed in the recess 530.In one embodiment, as will be described later, the electrical contacts520 are spring loaded so as to make sufficient contacts with theelectrical leads 522.

In other embodiments, the adapters 516 and the docking bays 512, 514have matching shapes, such as, for example, a molded male and femalematching shape, which is not limited to the recess 530 described above.The docking bays 512, 514 and the adapters 516 can have any suitableshapes that allow the electrical contacts 520 of the docking bays 512,514 to make contact with the electrical leads 522 of the adapters 516.Thus, many molded configurations, including ridges, grooves, and othershapes, can be used to enable the docking bays 512, 514 to receive theadapters 516. These examples are illustrative only, and not limiting.

As shown in FIG. 18, in one embodiment, the adapters 516 and recesses530 are shaped such that the adapter 516 can only be placed into therecess 530 in one orientation. In the embodiment shown, the adapter 516includes at least one angled edge 532, and the recess 530 includes amatching angled corner 534. This geometry ensures that the adapter 516will be placed in the recess 530 in the proper orientation, so that theelectrical contacts 520 meet the electrical leads 522. Other geometricconfigurations or features could be used to accomplish this function,such as matching prongs and recesses, or other types of shaped edges.Additionally, this feature is optional, as the adapter 516 could be madeto fit into the recess 530 in multiple orientations.

As shown in FIGS. 19A-19C, the adapter 516 includes a body 536 with theangled edge 532. The electrical leads 522 are located on a bottom side538 of the body 536. The top side 540 of the body 536 includes aconnector 542 that is configured to connect to the power input port ofthe accessory device to be charged. In one embodiment, the connector 542is a male mini-USB (universal serial bus) connector adapted to connectto a female mini-USB connector on a hand-held controller for a videogame console, such as the PlayStation3®.

In use, the connector 542 on the adapter 516 is connected to the powerinput port of the accessory device to be charged, such as the hand-heldcontroller 526 shown in FIGS. 20 and 21. The adapter 516 is a small andlight-weight piece that connects snugly to the power input port of thehand-held controller 526. The adapter 516 can remain with the hand-heldcontroller 526 at all times, even when the controller 526 is not beingcharged in the charging station 510. When the hand-held controller 526is in use during operation of a video game, when the controller 526 isstored, and when it is charging, the adapter 516 can remain connected to(and physically mounted on) the controller 526. The adapter 516 is smalland light weight, so that it does not interfere with operation of thecontroller 526. When the controller 526 needs to be recharged,connecting it to the charging station 510 is as easy as dropping it intoone of the docking bays 512, 514. The adapter 516 slides easily into therecess 530, and the electrical leads 522 on the bottom of the adapter516 make an electrical connection with the electrical contacts 520 inthe recess 530. The charging station 510 is connected to a power supplythrough its own power input. The charging station 510 then providespower to the controller 526 to recharge the controller's batteries. Thisrecharging process is fast and easy, as the adapter 516 allows thecontroller 526 to be simply dropped into place, rather than carefullyconnected to a fragile port or connector.

While the embodiment described above uses a vertical orientation, withthe controller 526 and adapter 516 being dropped from above into therecess 530, other orientations may be used as well. In one embodiment,the adapter 516 is received horizontally into one of the docking bays512, 514, and the electrical contacts 520 in the docking bay andelectrical leads 522 on the adapter 516 are arranged vertically to makecontact with each other when the adapter 516 is horizontally placed intothe docking bay. In one embodiment, the adapter 516 is placed into thedocking bay by a push-fit, press-fit, or snap-fit, rather than simply adrop-fit. These fitting engagements are fast and easy to use, and alsoprovide a reliable connection between the adapter 516 and chargingstation. In another embodiment, the charging station includes prongsthat hold the controller and adapter into place after they have beenplaced (vertically or horizontally) into the docking bay to obtain acomplete electrical connection.

The charging station 510 can charge two controllers 526 simultaneously(or concurrently), or it can charge one at a time. The power input forthe charging station 510 may be a power cord 544, as shown in FIG. 20,that connects to an alternating current (AC) power supply. In this case,the charging station 510 includes an AC/DC converter electricallycoupled between the power input and the electrical contacts 520, inorder to provide direct current power to the contacts 520 and from thereto the controllers 526. The AC/DC converter 546 may be internal to thebase 524 or external. In another embodiment, the power input is a USBport that connects to the CED to obtain DC power from the CED. Thecharging station provides this DC power to the electrical contacts 520and from there to the controllers 526. In other embodiments, DC powermay be provided as input to the charging station 510, where the DC powermay be provided by an external AC/DC converter.

The electrical contacts 520 may include a spring coupling the contacts520 to the base 524. The weight of the controller 526 pushes the adapter516 down into the recess 530, pressing the electrical leads 522 on theadapter 516 against the electrical contacts 520. The spring pushes backup on the contacts 520, pushing them against the electrical leads 522 toensure a complete electrical connection.

The charging station 510 may also include an indicator 548 thatindicates a status of the charging station 510. In one embodiment, theindicator 548 includes two LED assemblies 550, 552 (see FIG. 16). TheLED assemblies 550, 552 correspond with the first and second dockingbays 512, 514, respectively, so as to indicate the charging status ofthe hand-held controller 526 (or any other suitable accessory device)being charged in the respective docking bay. Each of the LED assemblies550 and 552 includes at least two LEDs having different colors. By wayof example, each of the LED assemblies 550 and 552 in one embodimentincludes a red LED and a green LED. While the respective hand-heldcontroller 526 is being charged, the red LED is emitted to indicate thatthe hand-held controller 526 (i.e., the battery inside the hand-heldcontroller 526) is currently being charged. Further, when the respectivehand-held controller 526 is finished charging, the green LED is emittedto indicate that the charging has been completed. In other embodiments,each of the LED assemblies 550, 552 may include different color LEDsand/or different number (e.g., three) of LEDs to indicate respectivecharging status.

In still other embodiments, each of the LED assemblies 550, 552 mayinclude a single LED, and may be referred to as LEDs 550, 552. The firstLED 550 illuminates with a first color, for example red, to indicatethat the charging station 510 is currently charging an accessory device.The second LED 552 illuminates with a second color, for example green,to indicate that the charging station 510 is finished charging. The LEDs550, 552 may be electrically coupled to a current detector 521 (see FIG.22) which provides the signals to illuminate the LEDs. In oneembodiment, the charging station 510 stops providing power to thecontroller 526 when the controller's internal battery is completelycharged.

A block diagram of the charging station 510 is shown in FIG. 22, showingsome of the above-described components of the charging station inschematic form. As can be seen in FIG. 22, the charging station (orcharger base) 510 includes electrical contacts 520 that are adapted tobe electrically coupled with the accessory device 526 via the adapter516. This way, the charging station 510 is capable of supplying thepower received from a power adapter or a power supply to the accessorydevice 526 (e.g., for charging).

In one embodiment, the charger base includes the AC/DC converter 546 forconverting input AC power to DC power for charging the accessory device526. In other embodiments, the charging station 510 may be provided withDC power via a mini-USB port, an external AC/DC converter, or any othersuitable DC power supply. The charging station 510 may include a USBhost used to provide DC power via mini-USB port.

In one embodiment, the charging station 510 includes a current detector521 for detecting the amount of current being provided by the powersupply to the accessory device 526 through the contacts 520. Ifsufficient current (e.g., a predetermined amount of current) is detectedby the current detector 521, the corresponding LED (e.g., a red LED) isemitted to indicate that the accessory device 526 is being charged.Then, when the charging has been completed, less current is detectedbecause the battery in the accessory device is already substantiallyfully charged. In this case, another LED (e.g., a green LED) is emittedto indicate that charging has been completed.

A circuit diagram of the charging station 510 is shown in FIGS. 23A and23B. As can be seen in FIGS. 23A and 23B, each of the LED assembliesincludes two LEDs (green LED LED2 and red LED LED1, or green LED LED4and red LED LED3). As can also be seen in FIGS. 23A and 23B, the currentdetector 521 in one embodiment is implemented using a quad operationalamplifier chip LM324. The current detector 521 controls light emissionof LEDs LED1 and LED2 and/or the light emission of LEDs LED3 and LED4,depending on whether or not sufficient current for charging a respectiveaccessory device is detected.

While the CED is described in the above embodiments as a video gameconsole, and the accessory device is described as a video gamecontroller for the video game console, the invention may be used forother CEDs and accessory devices, such as cell phones, wirelessheadsets, personal computers and related peripheral devices, and manyother electronic devices. This list is meant to be illustrative only,and not limiting.

Also, while some of the embodiments are primarily described as acharging system for charging video game controllers, the presentinvention is not limited thereto. The charging system in variousembodiments may be used or be modified to be used for charging anysuitable hand-held electronics devices or accessories, such as, forexample, hand-held video games, or hand-held audio or multimedia playerssuch as MP3 players, without departing from the spirit or scope of thepresent invention.

It will be appreciated by those with ordinary skill in the art that theinvention can be embodied in other specific forms without departing fromthe spirit or essential character thereof The embodiments describedabove should be considered to be illustrative and not restrictive. Thescope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims andtheir equivalents.

1. A video game controller charging system for charging a plurality ofvideo game controllers, each having a female power input receptacle, thevideo game controller charging system comprising: a base; a plurality ofdocking bays supported by the base, each of the docking bays configuredto receive a respective one of the video game controllers such thathandle portions of the controllers project away from the docking bays,each docking bay comprising a pair of substantially parallel opposingsurfaces and being unobstructed on opposite sides between the opposingsurfaces; and a plurality of substantially protruding male DC ports,wherein a single DC port is disposed between the opposing surfaces ofeach of the docking bays, each of the DC ports being electricallycoupled to a single power input interface and configured to plug intoand provide DC power to the female power input receptacle of arespective one of the plurality of video game controllers without theuse of an external or retractable cable, wherein at least one of theopposing surfaces of each of the docking bays extends continuously froma first end to a second end, the first end being spaced from the DC portof the respective docking bay at a first side of the DC port, the secondend being spaced from the DC port of the respective docking bay at asecond side of the DC port opposite the first side; wherein each DC portincludes a pair of substantially parallel DC port surfaces, at least aportion of the DC port surfaces of the DC port in each of the respectivedocking bays being substantially parallel to at least a portion of thecontinuous opposing surface of the respective docking bay; wherein thesingle power input interface is spaced apart from the docking bays; andwherein the video game controller charging system is configured toconcurrently charge the plurality of video game controllers in theplurality of docking bays.
 2. The video game controller charging systemof claim 1, wherein the male DC ports comprise male mini-USB connectors.3. The video game controller charging system of claim 1, wherein each ofthe docking bays includes an intermediate surface disposed between thesubstantially parallel opposing surfaces and the male DC port isdisposed within the docking bay protruding at a substantially rightangle relative to the intermediate surface.
 4. The video game controllercharging system of claim 1, wherein each of the male DC ports protrudesfrom the respective docking bay in a direction substantially parallel tothe substantially parallel opposing surfaces.
 5. The video gamecontroller charging system of claim 1, wherein each of the male DC portsis spaced apart from each of the substantially parallel opposingsurfaces of the respective docking bay.
 6. The video game controllercharging system of claim 1, wherein each of the docking bays has asubstantially same size and configuration, and each of the video gamecontrollers has a substantially same size and configuration to bereceived and supported in one of the docking bays.
 7. The video gamecontroller charging system of claim 6, wherein the docking bays arespaced from one another along a lengthwise direction of the video gamecontroller charging system, and wherein the docking bays are symmetricabout a midplane extending in the lengthwise direction.
 8. A video gamecontroller charging system for concurrently charging a plurality ofvideo game controllers, each having a female power input receptacle andhandle portions at opposite sides of the female power input receptacle,the video game controller charging system comprising: a base; aplurality of docking bays supported by the base, each of the dockingbays comprising a pair of opposing surfaces and being open on oppositesides between the opposing surfaces, at least one of the opposingsurfaces extending continuously from a first end to a second end, eachof the docking bays being configured to receive a video game controllerof the plurality of video game controllers such that the handle portionsof the video game controller project outwardly from the open sides; asingle power input interface spaced apart from the plurality of dockingbays; and a plurality of male DC ports electrically coupled to thesingle power input interface, each of the DC ports being disposedbetween the opposing surfaces of a docking bay of the plurality ofdocking bays and protruding in a direction substantially parallel to atleast a portion of the continuous opposing surface of the docking bay,the first end of the at least one continuous opposing surface beingspaced from the DC port at a first side of the DC port, and the secondend being spaced from the DC port at a second side of the DC portopposite the first side, each of the DC ports being configured toelectrically and mechanically couple to the female power inputreceptacle of a respective one of the plurality of video gamecontrollers, thereby providing DC power to the female power inputreceptacle without the use of an external or retractable cable whileholding the video game controller within the docking bay.
 9. The videogame controller charging system of claim 8, wherein each of the DC portscomprises a male mini-USB connector.
 10. The video game controllercharging system of claim 8, wherein the pair of opposing surfaces isconfigured to align the video game controller in the docking bay suchthat the female power input receptacle of the video game controller maybe plugged into the male DC port disposed between the opposing surfacesof the docking bay.
 11. The video game controller charging system ofclaim 8, wherein each of the docking bays includes an intermediatesurface disposed between the opposing surfaces, the DC port disposedwithin the docking bay protruding at a substantially right anglerelative to the intermediate surface.
 12. The video game controllercharging system of claim 8, wherein each of the DC ports includes a pairof substantially parallel DC port surfaces and at least a portion of theDC port surfaces extends in a direction substantially parallel to atleast one of the opposing surfaces.
 13. The video game controllercharging system of claim 8, wherein each of the DC ports is spaced apartfrom each of the opposing surfaces of the respective docking bay.
 14. Avideo game controller charging system for concurrently charging aplurality of video game controllers, each having a female power inputreceptacle and handle portions at opposite sides of the female powerinput receptacle, the video game controller charging system comprising:a base; a plurality of docking bays supported by the base, each of thedocking bays comprising a pair of opposing surfaces and being open onopposite sides between the opposing surfaces, at least one of theopposing surfaces extending continuously from a first end to a secondend, each of the docking bays being configured to receive a video gamecontroller of the plurality of video game controllers such that thehandle portions of the video game controller project outwardly from theopen sides; a single power input interface spaced apart from theplurality of docking bays; and a plurality of substantially protrudingmale DC ports electrically coupled to the single power input interface,each of the DC ports being disposed between the opposing surfaces of adocking bay of the plurality of docking bays, the first end of the atleast one continuous opposing surface being spaced from the DC port at afirst side of the DC port, and the second end being spaced from the DCport at a second side of the DC port opposite the first side, each ofthe DC ports being configured to plug into the female power inputreceptacle of a respective one of the plurality of video gamecontrollers without the use of an external or retractable cable toprovide DC power to the female power input receptacle and hold the videogame controller in the docking bay.
 15. The video game controllercharging system of claim 14, wherein each of the DC ports comprises amale mini-USB connector.
 16. The video game controller charging systemof claim 15, wherein each of the docking bays includes an intermediatesurface disposed between the opposing surfaces, the DC port disposedwithin the docking bay protruding at a substantially right anglerelative to the intermediate surface.
 17. The video game controllercharging system of claim 16, wherein each of the DC ports protrudes fromthe respective docking bay in a direction substantially parallel to atleast one of the opposing surfaces.
 18. The video game controllercharging system of claim 14, wherein the docking bays are directlysupported by the base.
 19. The video game controller charging system ofclaim 14, wherein each of the docking bays has a substantially same sizeand configuration, and each of the video game controllers has asubstantially same size and configuration.
 20. The video game controllercharging system of claim 14, wherein the docking bays are spaced fromone another along a lengthwise direction of the video game controllercharging system, and wherein the docking bays are symmetric about amidplane extending in the lengthwise direction.